Eitas

02/16/2026

For the first time, Barbie has been designed with features that reflect how many autistic people experience the world. The new Autistic Barbie includes thoughtful details like a side-gazing eye sculpt, articulating arms for stimming, a loose-fitting outfit for sensory comfort, noise-canceling headphones, a fidget, and a tablet with symbol-based communication.

Created in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, this doll centers authenticity, joy, and independence, not stereotypes.

Representation isn’t just about being seen on a shelf. It’s about kids recognizing themselves, their tools, and their ways of moving through the world as valid and valued. 💙
https://bit.ly/464w1ib

02/14/2026

People with I/DD deserve love, choice, and voice—because love has never been the barrier. Today we’re celebrating the sweet stuff that actually matters for people with I/DD: being heard, having real choices, and having supports that show up consistently.

Happy Valentine’s Day! 💌

02/13/2026

Mark your calendars — you are invited!

Join us for the FREE eitas Funded Provider Fair, an opportunity to learn about FREE and funded programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Who should attend:
People with IDD, families, support coordinators, community outreach specialists, and professionals who support people with IDD.

Event details:
Date: March 11
Time: 12:00 PM–2:00 PM

Location:
EITAS Training Center
8508 Hillcrest Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64138
About the event:

EITAS funds a variety of services. This FREE event allows attendees to explore available programs, ask questions, and connect directly with funded providers in one accessible location.

Questions:
Contact Tracy Mauk at tracym@eitas.org










Alt text:
Graphic for the free eitas Funded Provider Fair on March 11 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the EITAS Training Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Event highlights funded services for people with intellectual
And developmental disabilities and their families.

02/13/2026

Tune in to FOX4 News Kansas City for Love Fund For Children to see Eitas in the news!




Alt text:
Photo of 4 people in a news studio dressed in red and pink smiling.

02/12/2026

Eitas is proud to be a partner of such a great program — bringing people together through the arts.

Blue Springs City Theatre is presenting Frozen Jr. in partnership with The Penguin Project — a powerful production that celebrates mentorship, friendship, and the talents of performers of all abilities. This is more than a show; it’s a celebration of belonging, confidence, and community spirit.

Every ticket purchased helps provide costumes, props, and the resources that make this meaningful experience possible.

Showtimes:
March 19–21 at 7:30 PM
March 22 at 2:00 PM
ASL interpretation and audio description will be available at one performance (date TBD).

1200 SE Adams Dairy Pkwy, Blue Springs, MO

Join your neighbors, invite your friends, and be part of an uplifting theatre experience that truly reflects the heart of our community. Your support helps make the magic happen.



Alt Text (Video):
Video featuring rehearsal and performance highlights from Frozen Jr., showcasing performers of all abilities on stage, peer mentors supporting cast members, and joyful moments from the musical production.

02/12/2026

Marching Into Adult Life Opportunities Resource Fair

Join us for the Marching Into Adult Life Opportunities Resource Fair — a free event designed to connect youth with disabilities and their families to valuable resources.

This event focuses on supporting students as they move from high school into adulthood and explore next steps.

📅 March 5, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍Eitas Training Center
8508 Hillcrest Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64138

Learn about resources including:
• Case Management
• Inclusive college experiences
• Job search and on-the-job supports
• Day programs

This is a great opportunity to meet organizations, ask questions, and learn about services available in your community.

👉 Register here:
https://www.missouriparentsact.org/training

Or scan the QR code on the flyer.

02/11/2026

Tickets are on sale now!

Join us for Safe, Seen, Supported: Trauma-Informed Approaches in I/DD Care on April 15, 2026 at 9:00 AM (Central Time) at The Pavilion at John Knox Village.

This powerful, one-day conference brings together family members, self-advocates, professionals, educators, providers, policymakers, and community leaders who are committed to strengthening support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

How we understand and respond to trauma has a lasting impact on people with disabilities. This event will equip you with practical, person-centered tools to build environments where individuals feel respected, empowered, and truly supported.
We are honored to feature:
• Dr. Karyn Harvey
• Deirdre Mercer
• James McGinnis
• Dominick McKinney

Together, they will share both professional expertise and lived experience to inspire meaningful change across systems, services, and communities.

-Practical strategies you can implement right away
-Strengthen trauma-informed approaches with confidence and compassion
-Connect with advocates and professionals across the field
- Leave energized to help create cultures of safety, trust, and belonging

Ticket pricing includes lunch catered by Jason’s Deli.
If this work matters to you — or someone in your network — now is the time to register.
Let’s come together to ensure every person is safe, seen, and supported.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this event with your networks.

Purchase tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-seen-supported-trauma-informed-approaches-in-idd-care-tickets-1980725505306

Alt text:
Promotional graphic for the “Safe, Seen, Supported: Trauma-Informed Approaches in I/DD Care” conference taking place April 15, 2026 at The Pavilion at John Knox Village. The design features bold text announcing tickets on sale, early bird pricing, featured speakers, catering by Jason’s Deli, and a QR code for registration. Background image shows a blurred audience at a professional conference in warm orange and gold tones.

02/11/2026

Please check out and share this event from MPACT - Missouri Parents Act

📚 February 2026 Webinar Series

Missouri Parents Act invites families to join our February 2026 Webinar Series, designed to support parents of infants and toddlers in Missouri’s First Steps Early Intervention Program.

This FREE, virtual training series will help families better understand their rights, services, and how to advocate effectively for their child.

🗓️ February 23–27, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (each day)
💻 Virtual

Webinar topics include:
• Understanding the IFSP Process
• Transitioning from IDEA Part C to Part B
• Parental Rights under IDEA Part C
• Family Record Keeping & Communicating Your Child’s Needs
• Dispute Resolution Options in Early Intervention

Whether you attend one session or all five, each webinar offers valuable information to help families feel informed and prepared.

👉 Register today:
🔗 missouriparentsact.org/training

📧 info@missouriparentsact.org
| 📞 800-743-7634

02/11/2026

“We listen first” isn’t a tagline, it’s how support actually works day to day.

It looks like asking what feels important before offering solutions.
It looks like honoring preferences around routines, communication, and comfort.
And it looks like adjusting supports when goals shift or life changes because plans should grow with the person, not the other way around.

Choice and respect show up in small, consistent moments. That’s where real support begins.

02/11/2026

We’re excited to partner with MO APSE to bring Employment University to the Kansas City area on March 6, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Eitas Training Center.

High-quality training like this is essential. Employment University equips professionals and advocates with practical tools, emerging best practices, and real-world strategies in discovery, job development, business partnerships, and on-site supports.

We’ve seen the value firsthand — this training strengthens staff skills, builds confidence, and creates better employment outcomes for people with disabilities. It’s just as valuable for employment advocates who are working to move Employment First forward in our communities.

We’re proud to host this important learning opportunity in KC. Please register at this link: https://apsemissouri8.wildapricot.org/events

02/11/2026

You still have time to share and join in on the group!

The Good Life Group is a welcoming space for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Jackson County to explore goals, strengths, and make social connections.

February 11, 2026 | 4–5 p.m.

During this session, participants will:
• Learn about life domains
• Reflect on what matters most for the future
• Use the Life Vision Tool
• Explore the Life Trajectory Tool to set meaningful goals
• Connect with others in a supportive environment
Location: eitas Training Center, Kansas City, MO
Virtual option available via Zoom

We encourage professionals, community partners, and advocates to share this opportunity with individuals who may benefit from connection, growth, and future planning.

Register: https://bit.ly/4oPM0Yw
Email nnoblet@eitas.org for more information.



alt text: Promotional graphic for ‘Good Life Groups’ featuring two smiling young adults sitting outdoors. Text reads: ‘Click here to register or contact nnoblet@eitas.org Eitas Training Center + Zoom. February 11, 2026, 4:00–5:00 PM.

02/10/2026

🎤 Keynote Speaker Spotlight: Dr. Karyn Harvey

We are honored to welcome Dr. Karyn Harvey, PhD as the keynote speaker for Safe, Seen, Supported: Trauma-Informed Approaches in Intellectual and Developmental Disability Care.

Dr. Harvey is a nationally recognized leader in trauma-informed care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with more than 35 years of experience. Her work focuses on understanding how trauma affects behavior, emotions, and a person’s sense of identity.

She is the author of three widely used books—Positive Identity Development, Trauma-Informed Behavioral Interventions, and Trauma and Healing. Dr. Harvey is known for explaining complex ideas in clear, practical ways that support people in everyday life. She also provides therapy and leads trainings across the United States and Canada.

Her work has helped shape trauma-informed practices nationwide. She has received national clinical service awards from NADD, START, and AAIDD in recognition of her contributions to the field.

🔗 Learn more about Dr. Harvey:
www.karynharvey.org

📅 April 15, 2026
📍 John Knox Village Pavilion | Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Alt text:
Graphic announcing the keynote speaker, Dr. Karyn Harvey. The image includes her photo, her name, and text noting she is a nationally recognized expert in trauma-informed care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The conference title, date April 15, 2026, and location in Lee’s Summit, Missouri are also shown.